We all want to form a bond with our horses. We want our horse to be our teammate and not a
slave.

Approaching Horses: Top Secrets and Equine Train Techniques

Horses were domesticated as beasts of burden and working animals. Before cars came out,
horses were overworked and cruelly treated. They were not considered to be animals with
feelings. Although horses are several times the size of a human, horses still viewed humans as
the evil dominant species and had to obey every commend or get punished.

Today, it is a whole new world between humans and horses. We want horses to view us as our guardians and caretakers rather than “crazy animals that walk on their hind legs”. However, what not has changed is that a horse is still a prey animal, and we are still predatory animals. It is important to know how to safely approach a horse in this case.

Approaching Horses: The Secret

By nature, horses are animals that rely on flight for defense. They still have the natural instinct
to flee from predators. If a horse is approached incorrectly, the horse will run away from you.
Horses do not see directly in front on them as we do. They see more off to the sides. This is why
when you approach a horse, approach him at an angle and not directly in front. Walking
towards him right from the front, which is his “blind area”, can startle him and cause him to
flee.

Never approach a horse from behind. Be sure the horse can see you coming and walk slowly
towards him. If he looks at you with his head up and ears forward, and even walks towards you,
then he knows there is something good in it for him. This is a sign of a properly trained horse.
A properly trained horse will notice you coming and may come to you. He will associate you
with good treatment and rewards.

In other words, be good to the horse and he will be good to you. Then he will not associate you
riding him with anything evil. Humane training is the key.

A horse does not have to be whipped and beaten to be trained. Properly trained horses are
willing to work for people, but we have to work for them in return.

Approaching Horses: Top Secrets and Equine Train Techniques – Karin B